The 'Papers, Please' meme is derived from the critically acclaimed 2013 indie game where players take on the role of a border immigration officer in the fictional, Soviet-esque country of Arstotzka. The meme typically utilizes the game's distinctive 8-bit aesthetic, focusing on the inspector's stern face, the bureaucratic paperwork, and the definitive 'Approved' or 'Denied' stamps. It became an internet staple for highlighting gatekeeping behavior, strict rules, or simply celebrating the game's catchphrase, 'Glory to Arstotzka.' Often used to parody real-life security checks or exclusive community entry requirements, the template perfectly captures the tension of being judged by a humorless official.